Friday, November 17, 2006

When I was a young teen, I created the "Secret Recipes." I started with a small note pad, and 2 years later, I ended up with two padlocked 4-inch binders filled with over 300 pages of diaried thoughts. Why I penned the words "Secret Recipes" on the front of the binders I'll never know (well...I sorta know), but I still have those binders. They are old and faded and haven't been opened for 2 decades. They are my private "blog" from the early 80's when I was a struggling teen needing to break free of a world in which I was trapped and frustrated.

20 years and a lifetime later, I will perhaps start a new "binder" here. Of course, it's not in any way a continuation of the Secret Recipes, but rather just a place to put my thoughts for the day. Over the years, I have asked people what I should do with those binders that just take up space in my attic. Most suggested that I burn them and never look back. But three people suggested I box them up and just put them away somewhere. And that's what I did. It's probably not coincidence that those three people I chose to keep in my life forever. Their pictures are below.

About Me

I am an ultra runner, physician and have been medical director of some of the toughest ultras. I tend to be a mover and a shaker and louder than my size suggests. However, my Gemini twin is gentler and contemplative, an artist, a writer, and a poet. I am a dog lover, a believer in souls, and have a special affinity for those who struggle because I have been there.

This is my crazy lovable huggable Weimaraner, Steely Dan. I call him Steely. He left us in January of this year at only 6 years from lymphoma that did not respond to chemotherapy treatments. Steely was a total goof. He loved trail running, road running, treadmill running, new experiences, making eye contact, sleeping on his back, me, kids, and liver treats. He was Zappa's best friend. We miss him dearly.

This is Stella. A rescue from the shelter. She's about 6 months old and a Border Collie. She is a joyous bundle of energy and curiosity and now also Zappa best friend. She will make a nice running partner when she grows up.

This is the now the big brother of my family - a rescued Greyhound. His name is Frank Zappa. I call him Zappa. He's 7 years old and has learned all about life beyond the track and crate from Steely when he was with us. It was very rewarding to watch his personality bloom as he settled into the family. And yes, he runs like the wind!

This is Natasha, my dearest friend. She was with me through college, medical school, residency, and she moved with me from Chicago to Spokane several years ago. She was my best running partner for 10 years. My sweet Natasha died from bone cancer in 2006. I miss her still. I hung a windchimes over the deck outside. When it chimes, I smile and think she has finally -- wherever she is now -- caught a squirrel!